Upstate New York is a fantastic destination for a getaway anytime of year. The region is awash in natural wonders, historic attractions and stunning towns.
Hiking and camping are top activities in the Adirondacks, but if you don’t want to rough it, there are plenty of cozy hotels and resorts to choose from.
Lake George
Lake George is one of Upstate New York’s premier vacation getaways and has something for everyone, no matter what time of year. It’s known for its soft and hard outdoor adventures, plus discount shopping, museums and more. Plenty of local sports games and events to check out as well.
The Adirondack Mountains are home to some of the nation’s most famous artists, and this part of Upstate New York has long been a muse for their work. At the Hyde Collection Art Museum and Historic House, you can explore the works of European and American artists, from Rembrandt to Georgia O’Keeffe.
When the lake freezes, ice skating is the perfect way to take in the mountain scenery around Lake George. There are many great options for indoor and outdoor ice skating, including Dynamite Hill, West Mountain, and the Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway.
Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park is home to 19 waterfalls and a stunning gorge, making it a natural paradise in New York’s Finger Lakes region. Its Gorge Trail is one of the best hikes in the Northeast and showcases all 19 falls along the way.
This is a moderate-to-challenging hike that takes you under and over waterfalls, through caverns, and up 832 steps. Wear sturdy hiking boots and don’t forget your fancy camera for the photo ops!
There are many other fun things to do in Watkins Glen, including driving the historic race course. Or try a sunset schooner cruise on Seneca Lake.
Storm King Arts Center
The 500-acre Storm King Art Center, in New York’s Hudson Valley, is a world-renowned sculpture park that brings together art and nature for an unforgettable experience. Here, visitors can admire works by a wide range of artists spanning centuries and eras.
The open-air museum, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2010, is a perfect place for introducing children to art. Guided tram tours are also available, making it easier for seniors and those with disabilities to get around.
Sculptors such as Alexander Calder, Maya Lin, and Zhang Huan have created pieces here. Some, like Mark di Suvero’s Pyramidian (1987-89) are awe-inspiring in their scale and movement.
Soul Fire Farm
Soul Fire Farm, owned and operated by Leah Penniman, is a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)-centered community farm committed to ending racism and injustice in the food system. It uses organic and ancestral farming techniques to grow healthy, fresh, and nutrient-rich foods for local communities experiencing food apartheid.
With deep reverence for their ancestors, the farmers at Soul Fire reclaim their collective right to belong to the land and have agency in the food system. They do this through training, education, and equipping the community to reclaim their place in a thriving food system.
One way the farm is trying to help is through their Black and Latinx Farmers Immersion program, which brings aspiring farmers from around the country to learn Black, Indigenous, and Latinx agricultural techniques. Those farmers are then able to bring the skills they learn back to their communities.
Saratoga Springs Spa Resort
Saratoga Springs is a four-season destination that has something for everyone. From autumn to winter, the city is a perfect place to experience the outdoors and soak in all that nature has to offer. Of course Saratoga also connects people to the incredible SPAC concerts every summer at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
One of the best ways to explore the beauty of nature is to take a hike in the area. The 100 Acre Wood, for instance, offers easy hiking trails that are great for families and couples.
Visitors can also enjoy the Saratoga Spa State Park, which has a lot to offer in terms of outdoor activities and attractions. The park features a golf course, museums, tennis courts, and more.
